Dispensing device



July 20, 1937. w. R. cox ET AL DISPENSING DEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Jan. 29, 1936 Mai L. P

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July 20, 1937. w. R. cox ET AL DISPENSING DEVICE 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 29, 1936 2842 I7 I 44 37 z/ w A? FIG.3. 3

July 20, 1937. w. R. cox ET AL v ,0

DI SPENS ING DEVICE //////fl ammma Patented July 20, 1937 UNITED STATES DISPENSING DEVICE Willard E. Cox, St. Louis, MO., and Milton M. Morris and William L. Pierce, Venice, Ill.

' Application January 29, 1936, Serial No. 61,296

Claims.-

This invention relates to dispensing devices, and with regard to certain more specific features, to devices for dispensing refrigerated articles.

Among the several objects of the invention may be noted the provision of a dispensing device of the class described which is coin-controlled, but which involves only a single coin control mechanism for a large plurality of devices to be dispensed; a dispensing device of the class described which provides for complete refrigeration of the articles to be dispensed, and at the same time prevents the refrigerant medium from contacting any of the working mechanism of the device; the provision of. a device of the class described which is portable, whereby it may be charged at a central distributing plant, and then delivered to a local position at frequent intervals; and the provision of a dispensing device of be in part obvious and in part pointed out hereinafter.

. The invention accordingly comprises the elements and combinations of elements, features of construction, and arrangements of parts which will be exemplified in the structures hereinafter described, and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the following claims. In the accompanying drawings, in which is illustrated one of various possible embodiments of the invention,

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a dispensing device embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the device of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a vertical cross-section taken substantially along line 33 .of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a horizontal cross-section taken substantially along 4-4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a bottom plan view of, a top portion of the device of Fig. 1; and,

Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-section partly in perspective, of a latching mechanism.

Similar reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Referring now more particularly to Figures 1 and 2, numeral l indicates a substantially square sheet metal box which is covered by a top 2. The top 2 is preferably formed of cast aluminum, or the like, for economy, although it can be made from sheet metal if desired. The sides of the box I are provided with handles 3,so that the box I may be readily carried about.

Referring more particularly to Figures 3 and 00 the class described which is relatively simple in construction and operation. Other objects will 4, it will be seen that there is provided, within the box I, a substantially circular chamber indicated by numeral 4, the walls 5 of which are of a suitable heat-insulating material. The bottom 6 of the chamber 4 is likewise made of a heat insulating material.

In the bottom portion of the chamber 4 there are provided, by means of. suitable partitions, a plurality of individual, bottle receiving compartments I. The compartments I are arranged so that they receive bottles 8 in concentric circles, provision being made in the present embodiment for twelve bottles in the outer circle and twelve bottles in the inner circle. The compartments I are formed, in the present embodiment, by a strip I0, of sheet metal or the like, which is corrugated or folded back and forth upon itself to extend substantially around the circular chamber 4. Welded or otherwiseafiixed to the strip ID are a pair of central circular strips II, considerably narrower than the strip l0, and a pair of strips I2 concentric with the strips II but "of a greater diameter. The strips l0, II, and I2 form'the partitions defining the several compartments I. All the strips II], II, and I2 are perforated at frequent intervals, as indicated at numeral I3 in Fig. 3, to provide for the free circulation of a refrigerating medium. It will be noted that the partitions areso arranged as to provide a central circular chamber I4 of relatively large diameter. This chamber [4 is desirably filled with crushed ice or the like, and enough liquid then introduced to bring the liquid level to or above the top of the partitions Ill. With the ice in the central chamber I4, the liquid is chilled and circulated through the separate compartments 1, and thus the bottles 8 in all of. the compartments are suitably cooled.

The particular construction of the partitions I0, II and I2, defining the chambers I is of little moment to the present invention, it being necessary only that suitable spaces be defined for receiving and properly locating the bottles 8 in the proper relationship to each other.

Suitable means l5 (see Fig. 1) are provided for locking the cover 2 to the box I.

The cover 2 is provided with a plurality of relatively small, substantially circular openings I6 arranged in two concentric circles, each of which contain twelve such openings. Each opening I6 is normally closed by a cover I1, and the diameter of the openings I5 is such that they freely pass one of the bottles 8.

The covers I! are hinged to the cover 2 by means of pins I8 (see Figures 5 and 6), and each cover I1 is provided with a spring l9 that tends to move said cover H to open position, as indicated at the letter A in Figures 1 and 2'. Diametrically opposite the pin l8, each cover |1 includes, on its lower edge, a projection 28, which has a notch 2| therein for receiving a latching mechanism, to be described more in detail hereinafter. y

n the underside of the cover 2 at each opening |6 there is provided a depending cylindrical flange 22 (see Figures 5 and 6) of approximately the same diameter as the opening Hi, the cylindrical flange 22 extending downwardly sufficiently far to almost abut the partitions I8, I and I2. The cylindrical elements 22, taken together with the partitions IO, N, and I2, define separate substantially cylindrical compartments for each bottle 8 within the box as a whole.

Depending from the central portion of the cover 2, inside the inner ring of covers l1, there is provided a circular chamber or compartment 23. The upper edge of. the compartment 23 is formed as a shoulder 24, against which rests a circular plate 25. The plate 25 is preferably screwed or otherwise fastened in a permanent manner to the cover I. In the circular plate 25, there is mounted a coin-controlled mechanism 26. The particular constructionof the coin-controlled mechanism 26 forms no part of the present invention, as it is a mechanism available on" the market. It includes a slot 21, which is proportioned to receive a coin of the denomination for which the device is adapted to work, such as a nickel, for example. A handle 28 projects above the surface of the plate 25, in position to be manipulated by a user of the device. The function of the coin-control mechanism 26 is such that after a nickel, for example, is dropped into the slot 21, the handle 28 is free to be rotated through such an angular displacement that a pinion 29 is rotated through a predetermined angular displacement, such as one-eighth of a turn.

Referring'again to Fig. 3, it will be seen that there is provided, integral with the D081 "in of the chamber 23, an upstanding,.centrally located post or bearing 38. Rotatably mounted on bearing 38 is a plate 3| of circular shape, which has an upstanding interior-toothed ring gear 32 formed integrally therewith. The teeth of the gear 32 mesh with the pinion 29, and are arranged in such ratio with the teeth of the pinion 29, that for each coin-controlled turn of the handle 28, the plate 3| is rotated through firth of a turn.

' 'lll is isbecause compartments 1 are provided for twenty-four bottles 8. It will be understood that if compartments are provided for a greater or less number of bottles,-then the gear ratio should be such that the angular displacement of the plate 3| is proportionately reduced or increased.

The plate 3| is held on the post 38 by a nut 33, and a washer 34 provides for free rotation without binding.

- Numeral 35 indicates a vertical projecting member formed integrally with theplate 3|, and constituting a cam or trip mechanism. The projection 35 has a face 36 (see Figures 5 and 6) which is disposed at an angle: to a tangent to the circular disc 3| at the projection 35, for purposes to be pointed out hereinafter.

Around the upper edge of the side walls of the chamber 23 there are provided a plurality of bearing blocks 31 (see Fig. 6). Sliding in each bearing block 31 is a rod 38, which may be of square cross-section, for example, to prevent rotation of the rod 38 in the bearing 31. The artral chamber 4,

rangement of the rod 38 is substantially radial with respect to the disc 3|, and the concentric circles ofcompartments 1. The inner end of the rod 38 is bent at right angles to form a projection 39 extending downwardly into the path of the projection or cam member 35. The outer end of the rod 38, in distinction, is bent at successive right angles to form a latching portion 48 which is positionedtmenter the notch 2| on the projection 28 of the lid orindividual cover 11. Suitable openings 4| are provided in the cylindrical flanges 22 to permit passage of the rods 38.

Inside the bearing box 31 a cotter pin or the like 42 is provided in each rod 38, and a leaf spring 43, one end of which is mounted against the wall of the chamber 23, as indicated by numeral 44, is provided to react'against said cotter pin 42 in such manner as to tend to force said rod 38 radially outwardly, tion, at all times. g

A rod 38 and all of its assembled means is provided for each one of the individual covers N. This means that, in the present embodiment, a total of twenty-four rods '38 are provided. From Fig. 5, it will be seen that the rods 38 provided for the outer row or circle of lids H, are necessari- 1y longer than the rods 38 for the inner row of covers l1, and additional bearings 45 for the longer rods 38 are preferably. formed in cover 2 to prevent such rods from being angularly displaced.

The latching ends 48 of each of the rods 38 are preferably provided with sloping faces 46, in order that the covers |1 may be individually closed merely by forcing. them into closed posior into latching position, the engagement of the lower edge of the projection 28 temporarily forcing the rod 38 to move aside to permit such closing, after which the spring 43 forces the rod 38 back again with the end 48 entering the latching opening 2| to latch the cover H in closed position.

The operation of the dispensing device is as follows:

For initial loading of the device, for example, at a distribution headquarters, the lock 5 is unlocked and the cover 2 removed from the box A bottle 8, which comprises the object to be dispensed, is now positioned in each of the compartments 1. Crushed ice is then filled into the cenand sufiicient water added to bring the'water level somewhat above the top of the partitions l8, II, and I2. The cover 2 is then placed upon the box, in proper angular position, and locked in position by the lock l5. The angular position of the rotatable plate 3| is of no consequence at this time. i It will be seen that, through the construction provided, none of the water or other refrigerant material is able to find an entrance into the chamber 23, which contains the working mechanism, as said chamber 23 is completely sealed. This distinctly advantageous feature provides for a freedom from corrosion, rusting, and the like, which is frequent in devices of this character.

. After the cover covers H are all closed, if they be open, merely by pressing them into closed position. As has been described, the latch bars 38 will spring aside dispensing function.

A purchaser, in operating the device, places a coin, such as a nickel, in the slot 21, then grasps 2 is in position, the individual the handle 28 and rotates it as far as it will. go. This rotation is'translated into a rotation of the pinion 29 suflicient to rotate the ring gear 3| through girth of a turn. Such rotation of the ring gear 3| brings the projection 35, and more par-f ticularly its sloping face 36, under one of the pro jections 39 of one of the latching rods 38, and be cause of the slope of said face-36, said rod 38 is pulled inwardly against the action of the spring 43 until the end 40 of the rod disengages from the projection 20 ofthe individual cover l1 and permits said cover H to spring open, under the action of the spring l9. When the cover l'l thus springs open,the owner may reach into the compartment and withdraw his iced bottle 8.

The next user, upon depositing his coin, goes through the same operation, and the next cover ll springs open. It makes no difference whether the covers H are allowed to remain open or are shut after withdrawal of a bottle, for the device is so arranged that it cannot move backwardly, that. is, it automatically progresses to a heretofore unopened compartment I upon the insertion of subsequent coin.

A purchaser cannot tamper with the device to open more than one of the covers H for a single coin. This is because the covers II, when locked shut, conceal their own latching mechanism. Access to adjacent closed covers cannot .be had through already opened covers because of the .barriers afforded by the cylindrical depending flanges 22 surrounding each of the openings IE.

After all of the bottles originally positioned in the device have been sold, the device may be returned to the distribution center and refilled for subsequent use in the manner indicated;

A particular advantage of the present invention over other dispensing devices is found in the fact that none of the operating or moving parts are immersed in the refrigerant medium, and there is thus a minimized tendency for any corrosion to interfere with the satisfactory operation of the device. For example, in numerous forms of dispensing devices of this same general character, only a single dispensing opening is provided, and the coin-controlled means are mounted in such manner as to move successive bottles into position to be ejected through said single opening. The moving of the bottles in this manner entails moving parts positioned in the refrigerant medium, and such moving parts frequently rapidly corrode to such an extent that the activating mechanism will not work. Further, in dispensing devices of this character, a considerable amount of work is required to move the entire assembly of bottles in such manner as to bring one of them up to the dispensing opening. In the present invention, in contradistinction, the amount of work needed on the part of the operator is only that which is required to unlatch one of the individual covers H, which is trivial. Thus, in the present invention, the moving parts may be made smaller, and hence at a greater economy, than in such other dispensing devices. In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of theinvention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As many changes could be made in carrying out the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or adapted to 1. In a bottle dispensing device, a plurality of separate compartments open at their tops and receive bottles in vertical position, individual closure means for the top of each of said compartments, means securing said closure means in closed position, and releasing means for rendering successively said last-named means inoperative, whereby said individual closure means are permitted to be opened to permit the withdrawal of a bottle from the compartment opened, said individual compartments being disposed in a completely encircling arrangement about said releasing means.

2. A bottle dispensing device comprising an enclosing means, means within said enclosing means defining a plurality of individual compartments in substantially closed circular arrangement, each of said compartments being open atits top and adapted to receive a bottle in a vertical position, an individual cover for the top of each of said compartments, individual latching means for each of said individual covers, and releasing means mounted in the center of said circle of compartments, said releasing means being adapted to release the latching means of successive compartments around the circle of compartments.

3. A bottle dispensing device comprising an enclosing means, means within said enclosing means defining aplurality of individual compart-. ments in substantially circular arrangement, each of said compartments being open at its top and adapted to receive a bottle in a vertical position, an individual cover for the top of each of said compartments, individual latching means for each of said individual covers, and releasing means mounted in the center of said circle of compartments, said releasing means comprising means adapted for manual rotation through predetermined angular displacements, and means rotated by said releasing means through another predetermined angular displacement to release successive individual latching means.

4. A dispensing device comprising an enclosing means, means within said enclosing means defining a plurality of individual article-receiving compartments in substantially circular arrangement, an individual cover for each of said compartments, individual latching means for each of said individual covers, and releasing means mounted in the center of said circle of compartments, said releasing means being adapted to release the latching means of successive compartments around the circle of compartments, said latching means comprising rods radially disposed with respect to the circle of compartments, said rods being slidable on their axes, and said rods having projections adapted successively to be engaged by said releasing means.

5. A dispensing device comprising an enclosing means, means within said enclosing means defining a plurality of individual article-receiving compartments in substantially circular arrangement, an individual cover for each of said compartments, individual latching means for each of said individual covers, and releasing means mounted in the center of said circle of campartments, said latching means comprising rods radially disposed with respect to the circle of compartments, said rods being slidable on their axes, said 'rods having projections adapted successively to be engaged by said releasing means, said projections being arranged in circular relationship concentric with the circle of compartments, said releasing means including a roment of stationary bottle-receiving 4 a tatable element having a camportion position 7 to react against the successive projections of rods, and move said rods longitudinally on axes to relieve said individual rangement, an individual cover for each of said compartments, individual latching means for each of said individual covers, and releasing means mounted in the center of said circle of compartments, said releasing means .being adapted to release the latching means of successive compartments around th circle of compartments, said enclosing means includingheat insulation material; and means surrounding and hermetically sealing said releasing means. 7. In a dispensing device for dispensing refrigerated bottles, a heat-insulated chamber, means defining a substantially closed circular arrangement of stationary bottle-receiving compartmentswithin said chamber, a refrigerantreceiving compartment centrally located within said chamber, means providing for circulation of refrigerantv through said compartments to refrigerate the bottles therein, individual cover means for each of said .bottle compartments, latching means for each of said cover means, and releasing means for actuating said latching means to permit the opening of said individual cover means in succession.

8. In a dispensing device for dispensing refrigerated bottles, a heat-insulated chamber, means defining a substantially closed circular arrangecompartments within said chamber, a refrigerant-receiving compartment centrally located within said chambenmeans providing for circulation of refrigerant through said compartments to refr erate the bottles therein, individual cover means I for each of said bottle compartments, latching means for each of said cover means, and releaslatching means, wherebytsuccessive covers are. permitted to open.

releasing means for actuating spams in: means for actuating said latching means to permit the opening of said individual cover means in succession, and means enclosing said releasing means to protect it from contact with said refrigerant. i

9. In a dispensing device for dispensing refrigerated bottles, a heat-insulated chamber, means defining a substantially closed circular arrangement of bottle-receiving compartments within said chamber, a refrigerant-receiving compartment centrally located within said chamber, means providingior circulation of refrigerant through said compartments to refrigerate the bottles therein, individual cover means for each of said bottle latching means for each of said cover means, and centrally-disposed releasing means for actuating said la means to permit the opening of said individual cover means in succession, said latching means movable rods radiallyx comprising longitudinally disposed to connect each of said cover means with the centrally-disposed releasing means.

-10. In a dispensing device for dispensing re- .frigerated bottles, a heat-insulated chamber,

means defining a substantially closed circular arrangement of bottle-receiving compartments within said chamber, a refrigerant-receiving compartment centrallylocated within said chamber, means providing for circulation of refrigerant through said compartments to refrigerate the bottles therein, individual cover means for each of said bottle compartments, latching means for. each or said cover means, centrally-disposed said latching means to permit the opening of said individual cover means in succession, and means enclosing said releasing means to protect it-fromcontact with said refrigerant, said latching means comprising longitudinally movable rods radially disposed to connect each of said cover means with the centrally-disposed releasing means.

WILLARD R. COX. MILTON M. MORRIS. WILLIAM L. PIERCE. 

